Slab City

Slab City

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A former military base in California that was closed after the second World War, Slab City is a place on the fringe both geographically and philosophically. Located near Niland, California (arrowed), it attracts a variety of people, including jobless and financially struggling recession refugees who can no longer pay for food and housing. Map: OpenStreetMap

Slab City

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Two men talk near a fire. Photograph: Eric Thayer/Reuters

Slab City

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(L-R) Timothy, Zack and Casey Spyder. Photograph: Eric Thayer/Reuters

Slab City

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Jeff sits at his trailer. He says he counts the days with bottles, every day represented by an empty bottle of wine. Photograph: Eric Thayer/Reuters

Slab City

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'Princess Stephanie' (L) talks to another woman during a dinner at the Karma Kafe. Photograph: Eric Thayer/Reuters

Slab City

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The first hole of the Gopher Flats golf course. Photograph: Eric Thayer/Reuters

Slab City

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An art installation. Photograph: Eric Thayer/Reuters

Slab City

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The library. Photograph: Eric Thayer/Reuters

Slab City

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A man bathes in the hot springs. Photograph: Eric Thayer/Reuters

Slab City

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Hot shave in a hot spring. Photograph: Eric Thayer/Reuters

Slab City

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A deputy with the Imperial County Sheriff talks to a man who was bathing nude at a hot spring. Photograph: Eric Thayer/Reuters

Slab City

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Don (L) talks to Frank. Photograph: Eric Thayer/Reuters

Slab City

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Randy Stevenson. Photograph: Eric Thayer/Reuters

Slab City

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Frank (L) watches as a couple hook up their computer in his internet cafe. Photograph: Eric Thayer/Reuters